Mass 'Surya Namaskar' prog in MP schools, colleges on Jan 12

All schools and colleges in Madhya Pradesh have been asked to hold mass 'Surya Namaskar' session on January 12, to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, as per a recent state government circular.
"Surya Namaskar (sun salutation) will be performed in all schools, colleges, academic institutions, gram panchayats and residential schools of the state from 9 AM to 10.30 AM on January 12," a Public Relations department officer said today.
The programme is being organised to mark spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary, which is also observed as 'Yuva Diwas' (Youth Day).
Notably, a controversy had erupted in Maharashtra last year when the state government had passed a proposal to make 'Surya Namaskar' mandatory in all civic schools of Mumbai, evoking sharp reactions from opposition parties.

Meanwhile, the MP's PR department official said that on January 12, inspirational, academic and cultural programmes focusing on the life of Swami Vivekananda will be organised.
"Participants have been asked to gather at 9 AM. A committee under the chairmanship of district collector has been constituted to conduct this programme in their respective districts," the official said.

He also said that a message of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be broadcast at 9.30 AM, followed by a session of 'Surya Namaskar' and 'Pranayam' at 9.45 AM.
Students from class VI to XII and college students would perform these 'asanas', while the pupils from class I to V will watch it, he said, adding that arrangements have been made for the direct broadcast of the programme.

Earlier, the Maharashtra government's proposal to make 'Surya Namaskar' mandatory in civic schools was dubbed as a ploy to "promote Hindutva" and "saffronise" education by the opposition.
The Mumbai civic body had cleared the proposal tabled by a BJP corporator with an aim to improve overall health of students by incorporating the ancient exercise regime into their daily routine.
The Bombay High Court had in September last year declined to grant an interim stay on implementation of a resolution making yoga and 'Surya Namaskar' mandatory in civic schools of Mumbai, saying it was just a form of exercise which is good for the body.